Portland and beyond!

Tag Archives: Butler Creek Greenway Trail

Directions: Take I-84 East to exit 28. Go left on the Historic Highway to the Wahkeena Falls Trailhead.

From the trailhead take in the lower portion of Wahkeen Falls and then head off to your right crossing a small bridge over the water and getting on a paved path that does one long switchback up to the main section of Wahkeen Falls. Continuing on you will still be on a paved trail that soon come to a series of 12 switchbacks (most are pretty short).

The switchbacks take you up to a junction, go right a short distance to Lemmon’s Viewpoint. Back at the junction go left to continue on to the waterfall, this is where the paved section of trail ends and you are on a typical dirt/rock Gorge trail. You will pass over a low footbridge and then head uphill somewhat steeply following along closely to the creek. Cross a second bridge and the trail again switchesback a few more times before you arrive at Fairy Falls. There’s a bench right at the waterfall that makes a nice place to sit and have a little rest or lunch. Head back out the way you came in.

This is the second time we’ve done this hike since the Eagle Creek Fire and it’s so much more green this time. We love this trail and it’s so great to see it rebounding nicely!

This hike is located in Gresham, to get here take Powell to Powell Loop (it’s a signal). Powell Loop turns into 10th and you’ll soon come to a three-way stop, go left, cross the Springwater Trail and head up Pleasantview Drive. Take the first left onto 14th and just around a bend will be the trailhead on the right. You can park in a little turnout on the left or along the street.

From the trailhead follow the Butler Creek Greenway trail, which is a mostly gravel and dirt path that follows along a small creek with houses on either side. This is a very urban hike/walk, you will see houses most of the time and will cross through a city park. The trail is mostly flat with just a few small hills. After a while you will cross a small wood bridge and wind around and up to Bindford Road.

Cross the road and pick up the gravel trail that takes you to Binford Reservoir. This is the first of two reservoirs on this hike. There are always a good number of waterbirds here and we’ve even seen some Belted Kingfishers a few times. Keep going past the reservoir and cross another small wooden bridge and continue on down the trail. This part of the trail is much closer to the creek and there are a few benches along the way. Soon you will reach a third bridge, after crossing the bridge the trail starts to head uphill and crosses a fourth and final bridge.

After crossing the final bridge the trail opens up into a city park and picks up with a paved path. Follow the path right and circle around the park. Once you’re back to the beginning of the pavement head in the opposite direction so you head towards Butler Creek Reservoir, this reservoir is also home to many waterbirds. After circling the reservoir head back the way you came on the Greenway Trail.

This trail is pretty busy year round. In the summer it is popular for runners and kids on bikes. There are always people with dogs and lots of walkers in every season.

Distance: 2.5 miles

Elevation: 50 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Pet Friendly: Yes

Good For: All ages

Bathrooms: No

Parking Fee: None

Seasons: All

Popular: Yes

Overall: This is not the most exciting trail but it’s a nice urban area to get some fresh air. This is a great place for birding as well.